Gardner-Webb's Noel T. Manning weighs in on Oscars

This publicity image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows John Goodman, left, Alan Arkin, center, and actor-director Ben Affleck in a scene from "Argo." The film has dominated the awards picture with wins at the Golden Globes and ceremonies held by the Directors Guild of America, the Screen Actors Guild and the Producers Guild of America. "Argo" now is poised to do what only four movies have managed before at the Oscars: win best picture without a nomination for its director.

By Noel T. Manning II

Published: Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 06:19 PM.

Noel T. Manning II is a charter member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and hosts three radio shows dedicated to the world of film on WGWG and Google+. He has been reviewing and discussing films for various media outlets for over 20 years. Noel is also an adjunct professor of film studies at Gardner-Webb University.

My Oscar Thoughts

Best Picture

“Argo” seems to be the film to beat this year, and I feel much of it has to do with the politics of voting. I’m not saying that “Argo”is not worthy of the nomination. But I am saying that the Academy’s snub of Ben Affleck as director for this film has somehow given this film a mountain of steam rolling into the homestretch as the best picture favorite. On the day the Oscar nominations were announced in January, Affleck won the Critics’ Choice Award for best director for “Argo.” After that win, Affleck continued to walk away with honors for directing throughout award’s season, but no directing Oscar nomination. It is apparent that Academy voters are feeling the pressure to give the best picture nod to “Argo” as a consolation prize to Affleck for leaving him out of the director’s category. That’s not a bad consolation prize if you ask me.

Noel T. Manning II is a charter member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and hosts three radio shows dedicated to the world of film on WGWG and Google+. He has been reviewing and discussing films for various media outlets for over 20 years. Noel is also an adjunct professor of film studies at Gardner-Webb University.

My Oscar Thoughts

Best Picture

“Argo” seems to be the film to beat this year, and I feel much of it has to do with the politics of voting. I’m not saying that “Argo”is not worthy of the nomination. But I am saying that the Academy’s snub of Ben Affleck as director for this film has somehow given this film a mountain of steam rolling into the homestretch as the best picture favorite. On the day the Oscar nominations were announced in January, Affleck won the Critics’ Choice Award for best director for “Argo.” After that win, Affleck continued to walk away with honors for directing throughout award’s season, but no directing Oscar nomination. It is apparent that Academy voters are feeling the pressure to give the best picture nod to “Argo” as a consolation prize to Affleck for leaving him out of the director’s category. That’s not a bad consolation prize if you ask me.

My Prediction: “Argo”

Who I Would Have Voted For: “Lincoln”

Best Director

With Ben Affleck out of the picture, voters may lean toward Steven Spielberg for his work in “Lincoln.” Spielberg spent more than a decade trying to bring this story to the big screen. After purchasing the rights for Doris Kearns Goodwin’s “Team of Rivals,” Spielberg enlisted screenwriter Tony Kushner to adapt the 944-page volume for the screen. But when one page of screenplay equals one minute on film, something had to give. Spielberg felt one of the most compelling selections of that story was the battle to end slavery. So he brought that legal drama to life. Combining Kushner’s thought provoking dialogue with amazing set designs and costumes, stellar acting, brilliant lighting and a subtle musical score – Spielberg created one of the year’s best. He continues to find ways to command the screen.

My Prediction: Steven Spielberg

Who I Would Have Voted For: Steven Spielberg

Best Actor

I have seen no greater (and more prolific) actor during the past 25 years as Daniel Day-Lewis. He is an actor who literally transforms the screen with his characters. This year, be became Abe Lincoln. And now, in my mind it is difficult to distinguish Lincoln: the historical figure and president from Lincoln the Daniel Day-Lewis performance. Day-Lewis was mesmerizing. This is his fifth Oscar nomination since 1989, and it will be his third win.

My Prediction: Daniel Day-Lewis for “Lincoln”

Who I Would Have Voted For: Daniel Day-Lewis for “Lincoln”

Best Actress

The most amazing performance by a lead actress this year was in a little seen film called “The Impossible.” Naomi Watts starred as a mother separated from her family during a tsunami disaster. It was a painful and challenging film to watch as a family struggles to reunite when nothing but hopelessness, devastation and chaos surrounds them. Watts conveyed without flaw the physical and mental pain of her character throughout her torturous journey of survival and faith.

My Prediction:Jennifer Lawrence – “Silver Linings Playbook”

Who I Would Have Voted For:Naomi Watts – “The Impossible”

Best Supporting Actor

With seven Oscar nominations to his credit, Robert De Niro is considered a Hollywood legend. Yet, it has been more than 20 years since his last invitation to the Oscar dance (Best Actor nomination, “Cape Fear”, 1991). He has continued to work in film, yet he has chosen roles that make him happy. One could argue that he no longer feels trapped by the critical establishment and has decided to work for the joy of working. There is no fault in that. Some say he has chosen to be a movie star over being a serious actor. I can appreciate that. I can also appreciate the fact that De Niro still has the acting chops to go up against the best, and be recognized for it. Between 1974-1980, De Niro was nominated for four acting Oscars and won twice. Maybe we are now witnessing a rebirth of De Niro the serious actor. I’m all for that (but I still want him to love what he’s doing).

My Prediction: Robert De Niro, “Silver Linings Playbook”

Who I Would Have Voted For: Robert De Niro, “Silver Linings Playbook”

Best Supporting Actress

Other than Daniel Day-Lewis, no other acting performance has completely dominated award’s season (by wins and conversation) than Anne Hathaway for “Les Miserables.” Hathaway was on screen for what seemed like about 15 minutes, yet her performance as a mother forced to do whatever it takes to provide for a child was one of the most memorable of the year. During the song “I Dreamed a Dream,” Hathaway was astounding. Her pain was our pain. Her hopes for her child were our hopes for our children. She connected with the audience in a way that few are truly able to do. With that one song, she earned the right to be considered Oscar-caliber.